I second Bob's suggestion; I've been working with gelatin dry plates for a couple years now, and recently took a run at 11x14. As mentioned, it's quite freeing to be able to make any size and configuration plate you want, provided you have a way of procuring holders. I've managed to find 4x5, 5x7, 8x10, 10x12, 11x14 and whole plate (in varying condition; some repair required), but I've been thinking about making my own for odd sizes and shapes; at that point I'm just limited by my ability to cut glass...

Robert

One day I plan to meet with Denise, and see her work and ideas, I have met with Ron Morey who showed me his silver gelatin coatings , It was quite reassuring to me to know that if the manufactures go bat shit crazy and either price their coatings out of range, or even drop them altogether there are people like Denise and Ron who are indeed passing down the knowledge on how to make incredible emulsions for paper and glass.

I would be interested in making glass plate negatives , as then I can enlarge, scan, or contact to my hearts content.. I need to get out of Toronto's small business rat race, by winning the lottery and dedicate serious time to this method of making negatives.

Robert -Cutting Glass is the least of your worries I would think, any frame shop in the world cuts glass with precision every day..

10-Nov-2017, 08:29

Robert Brazile

Re: Getting started in 11x14"

Quote:

Originally Posted by bob carnie

One day I plan to meet with Denise, and see her work and ideas, I have met with Ron Morey who showed me his silver gelatin coatings , It was quite reassuring to me to know that if the manufactures go bat shit crazy and either price their coatings out of range, or even drop them altogether there are people like Denise and Ron who are indeed passing down the knowledge on how to make incredible emulsions for paper and glass.

Yes, I took the two courses at Eastman from Mark Osterman and Nick Brandreth, and met and chatted with Ron Mowrey there. Learned a great deal from all of them. Also got the opportunity to look at examples from the archives there and have also enjoyed buying antique dry plates for comparison with my own. Still learning, a long way to go, but lots of fun.

Quote:

Originally Posted by bob carnie

I would be interested in making glass plate negatives , as then I can enlarge, scan, or contact to my hearts content.. I need to get out of Toronto's small business rat race, by winning the lottery and dedicate serious time to this method of making negatives.

It's really not difficult to do the basics, all I can say is: jump in! I put it off longer than I should have, worrying about all the things that could go wrong. When I finally tried it, a few things did go wrong and it still came out usable. So my advice is to either take a course, or buy Denise's book (or both!) and jump right in.

Quote:

Originally Posted by bob carnie

Robert -Cutting Glass is the least of your worries I would think, any frame shop in the world cuts glass with precision every day..

Ha ha -- thanks, but I realized after writing that that it would be ambiguous. I have no trouble cutting glass at all: in straight lines. That parenthetical comment was in reference to my potential desire to shoot on "odd shapes".

Robert

13-Nov-2017, 06:41

goamules

Re: Getting started in 11x14"

Quote:

Originally Posted by paulbarden

I'm seriously considering venturing into 11X14 wet plate work. I seem to be competent with 8X10 so the idea of 11X14 plates is very enticing. The idea of freeing myself from dependence on film manufacturers is also very appealing.